The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (resources)
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or cot Beds ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby cots on sale which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most recommended cribs highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. most recommended cribs parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.